kathimerini.gr
Greece Reforms Higher Education to End 'Eternal Students'
A new Greek law limits enrollment duration in higher education to address the decades-long issue of 'eternal students,' aiming to improve university efficiency and international standing; 11% of affected students mobilized against it, but the law now offers a final year extension with exceptions for disabilities or serious health issues.
- What is the impact of the 'eternal student' phenomenon on the reputation and effectiveness of Greek universities?
- Greece's higher education system is plagued by the 'status quo bias,' an irrational preference for maintaining harmful situations. Unlike most international universities, particularly top-tier ones, this is considered normal in Greece, leading to entrenched issues like 'eternal students' who can extend their studies for decades, even retaking exams numerous times.
- What are the potential long-term consequences of implementing this new law on both students and the overall quality of Greek higher education?
- A new law aims to address this by limiting the time students can remain enrolled. While offering exceptions for disabilities and hardships, it aligns Greek universities with international norms, fostering a more active learning environment and improving their international standing. The law provides a final chance for currently enrolled students.
- How does the new law addressing 'eternal students' balance the needs of students with the goals of improving university efficiency and reputation?
- The phenomenon of 'eternal students' harms the reputation of Greek universities. International quality indicators consider graduation rates and study completion times; a high percentage of inactive students distorts these metrics, suggesting inefficiency and undermining public trust.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames 'eternal students' as a significant problem undermining the university system. The headline (if there was one) likely emphasized the negative aspects of this issue. The introductory paragraphs set a negative tone, portraying 'eternal students' as a burden on the system. This framing influences the reader's perception by emphasizing the negative consequences and downplaying any potential positive aspects or individual student challenges.
Language Bias
The author uses strong, negative language to describe 'eternal students' and their impact on universities, using words and phrases like "eternal students," "κουρελόχαρτο" (a worthless piece of paper), and "agōna emporidiōn" (obstacle race). This loaded language creates a biased perspective. More neutral terms would be students who require extended timelines, or students with extended study plans. The description of the extended study process as an "obstacle race" is subjective and could be replaced with something more factual and neutral.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the negative impacts of 'eternal students' and the new law addressing the issue. It does not, however, present counterarguments or perspectives from students who might benefit from extended study timelines due to extenuating circumstances beyond their control, such as disability, serious illness, or significant family responsibilities. While the article mentions exceptions for disability and health issues, a more balanced view would include voices and data from affected student groups.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by framing the issue as solely a problem of 'eternal students' versus the efficient functioning of the university. It overlooks the complexities of individual circumstances, the potential for varied learning paces, and the broader systemic issues that contribute to extended study times. The solution is portrayed as simply removing 'eternal students' without fully addressing the underlying causes.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the issue of "eternal students" in Greek universities, who prolong their studies for many years, hindering the quality of education and the efficiency of the system. The new law aims to address this by setting time limits for degree completion, improving the overall quality of education and aligning Greek universities with international standards. This directly impacts the quality of education received by students and the overall efficiency of the higher education system.